Ford has unveiled a quirky invention designed to make it easier for drivers to complete the "last mile" of their journeys in areas where cars are not permitted.

The Carr-E – developed by Kilian Vas, a Ford systems engineer based in Cologne, Germany – consists of a circular platform with four wheels that fits neatly into boot space usually occupied by a car's spare wheel.

It can transport people or objects up to 120 kg, has a range of 22 kilometres (14 miles) and a top speed of 18 km/h (11 mph).

The Carr-E is designed to support commuters during the final part of their journey, between parking space and destination.

Cult of Disruption Innovation: Carr-E (Image: Ford Media)

It can also be used to transport heavy objects. Users simply place the object on the device and it will follow an electronic transmitter they keep in their possession.

"We really need to reinvent the wheel, to find new approaches to mobility," Vas said.

Read More

"When developing the Carr-E, I was inspired by Ford’s expansion into both an auto and a mobility company, but I’m also aware of how rapidly cities are growing and how getting around urban areas will become progressively more complicated.

"I really wanted to create a device that makes commuting easier and more fun."

Cult of Disruption Innovation: Carr-E (Image: Ford Media)

Carr-E was among 633 proposals for personal mobility solutions created by Ford employees as part of the company’s Last Mile Mobility Challenge.

It has been shortlisted for the finals alongside the TriCiti – a folding electric tricycle that can be easily adapted into a shopping cart, stack trolley or golf buggy - and the eChair concept, an electric wheelchair that can be autonomously loaded into a vehicle.

Read More

"Innovation and disruption is as much at the heart of how our engineers think now, as it was when Henry Ford first set about transforming the way we move," said Walter Pijls, supervisor, Innovation Management for Mobility, Ford of Europe.

"Personal assistant devices can help people to cover the final kilometres of their journey quickly and easily, and to transport heavy objects they might not be able to carry."